Netherlands' History

Budget Cuts

Before World War II started the Dutch Army had massive budget cuts applied. After World War I terms of service for conscripts were cut from two years to six months.

A report issued during the Great Depression stated to modernize the Dutch Army would require expenditures of 350,000,000 guilders but the military's budget was cut back by 100,000,000 guilders. By the late 1930s some money was made available for modernization but by this time it was too late. As late as February 1940 the defense minister refused to fund the modernization of the defensive lines at which the commander in chief resigned.

Artillery and Antitank Guns

400 Bohler 47 mm antitank guns were purchased in the late 1930s. However over 100 of the field artillery dated back to 1878 and 200 dated to 1894.

Independent Air Force

On November 1, 1938, the Dutch air force became an independent service.

Fokker was a major aircraft manufacturer.

Invasion

When the German's invaded in May 1940 there were only 41 armored cars and five Carden-Loyd machine gun carriers.

The Dutch air force only had 124 operational aircraft. They were able to shoot down 50 German aircraft before they were mostly destroyed.